For three days at Rabobank Stadium, about 80 soccer players from throughout the state did their best to show why they should be given the extremely rare opportunity to play for a national or international club.

Pro Soccer Consulting, a soccer agency based in the United Kingdom with offices also in the United States, wrapped up its three-day soccer combine at the new stadium with hopes of perhaps finding the next big soccer star.

The players took part in scrimmages all three days, with the team size ranging from six to 11 players.

It's the fifth academy held by PSC this year and the first in Northern California. Others were held in San Diego, Chicago, New York and Atlanta.

"From an agency standpoint, we're looking for any talent at any position," said Tom Taylor, PSC's U.S. Director of Operations. “We’re looking for physical attributes, how they play the ball, and their mentality toward the game. Some clubs are here might see a player that they might not sign now but bring in later in their season.”

On Friday, players wore bland jerseys competing in constant 11-on-11 scrimmages. Scoring was at a premium, with many defenders stopping speedy outside forwards trying to score from the sidelines.

Eduardo Escamilla, a goalkeeper from the Bay Area, said he was happy to attend the combine for a third time. Last year, he attended a PSC combine in Irvine but injured himself on the first day and had to bow out.

As was with the first two times he attended, the Salinas event was intense and competitive, he said.

"Everyone is trying to chase the same dream," Escamilla said. "We all have the same goal, to play professionally. It makes for a competitive atmosphere. The pressure is real."

Of the 80 players, Escamilla was one of only four goalkeepers who competed in the tryout. He said it's a hidden plus because he's realistically competing against three others in terms of showcasing his goalkeeping abilities.

Michael Reynoso drove all the way from Thousand Oaks to take part in the tryout, and he also made note of the intensity during the three days.

"There are a lot of kids out here who know what they're doing," Reynoso said.

Taylor said having the event in Salinas was ideal given the conditions of Rabobank Stadium and also because the organization had not held an event in Northern California yet.

Even with all of the talent on the field, it was not a guarantee that one or multiple players would be offered a tryout or a contract with a soccer club. Several scouts and coaches were on hand at the tryout, though, ready to make a move if they thought they saw a diamond in the rough. About eight players were offered a tryout or a contract in the Chicago combine.

The players said they hope a big play they make is seen by one of the scouts, given it could lead to much more.

"You have to be a leader no matter what, and you always hope someone is looking and that they see the best in you," Escamilla said.